Abstract
To provide a set of noxious verbal stimuli for use in studies of aggressive behavior, 71 criticisms of a male were scaled for degree of hostility. Undergraduate males each selected and delivered 10 criticisms to an insulting or a neutral peer. Ss reported significantly greater liking for the neutral than for the insulting peer, but actual and self-perceived verbal aggression did not differ between treatment groups. However, the measure's validity was partly supported by significant ( p < .001) correlations with reported dislike of the partner ( r = .54) and with perceived strength of criticisms sent ( r = .47). Also, self-perceived aggression was related to dislike of partner ( r = .31, p < .05). Lack of an insult-aggression effect was interpreted in terms of individual differences in Ss' perceptions of “insulting” and “neutral” messages they received. Further tests of the sensitivity of this aggression measure are needed.
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